Claims of guard violence being investigated
POLICE are investigating claims restrained youths were punched in the face and head and kicked by guards during a riot at an adult Melbourne prison.
A lawyer acting for teenage boys allegedly involved in Monday night’s riot at the youth unit of the Barwon maximum security adult prison says they were subjected to systematic violence.
“Children are telling me they were pinned to the floor by guards from the adult section of the prison and kicked and punched in the head,” Alina Leikin from the Human Rights Law Centre said.
“Numerous boys have visible injuries including bruising and one boy was hospitalised with a head injury requiring stitches.”
One was also allegedly hospitalised after a self-harm incident and a number were put on suicide watch after the crackdown by guards.
“Premier (Daniel) Andrews has clearly failed to heed the lessons of Don Dale,” Ms Leiken said yesterday.
The HRLC says capsicum spray was used indiscriminately in the confined space by a number of prison officers and that boys who weren’t involved in any disturbance were sprayed “directly and deliberately”.
A spokesman for Department of Justice and Regulation said it would not comment on the matter as it is now being investigated by police.
“Allegations against staff relating to the incident at the Grevillea unit on Monday night have been referred to Victoria Police, as is standard practice,” he said.